HealthSheets™

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Risks and Complications of Angiography

Angiography is safe. But any procedure has risks and possible complications. Below are common risks for angiography. They vary based on the part of the body being looked at. Discuss the risks with your healthcare provider. Be sure you understand them before you agree to have the procedure.

Possible risks and complications

The risks and possible complications for your procedure include the boxes checked below:

☐ Bleeding or bruising at the insertion site

☐ Tearing or cracking of the artery lining

☐ Blood clots. In rare instances, these may be so severe that your leg may be at risk. Your healthcare provider may have to immediately perform an operation to remove the clot.

☐ Infection

☐ Stroke

☐ Allergic reaction or kidney problems from the X-ray dye

☐ Heart attack, stroke, or death (very rare)

☐ The need for emergency cardiac or leg surgery (very rare)

☐ Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)

☐ Impaired kidney function (very rare)

☐ Pseudoaneurysm (bubble) in the artery

☐ Death

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Be sure to tell your healthcare provider

It is important that you tell your healthcare provider:

The names of all medicines you take. This should include herbs, supplements, and over-the-counter medicines.

If you have had a reaction in the past to contrast dye or any medicines.

If you are pregnant or think you could be pregnant. The procedure may need to wait until after the baby is born.